Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Navy will retire all four Ohio-class guided-missile submarines between 2026 and 2028, eliminating 616 Tomahawk cruise missile launch cells. These submarines have been crucial in operations across the Middle East, Europe, and the Indo-Pacific. The Virginia-class Block V submarines, which can carry only 40 Tomahawks, cannot replace the lost capacity, leading to significant operational challenges for the Navy.

Armed Islamist groups, including JNIM and Boko Haram, have intensified their operations in Africa, establishing territorial control and causing significant casualties. In 2025, JNIM was responsible for 1,274 deaths across Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Benin. Boko Haram's recent attack on a Nigerian army base resulted in the deaths of a colonel and six soldiers, highlighting the deteriorating security situation in Nigeria. The overall trend indicates a strategic shift towards control rather than mere attacks.

Marie DuboisThu Apr 16 2026Loading...

USS Gerald R. Ford completed a record-breaking deployment of 296 days at sea, marking the longest modern deployment for an aircraft carrier. During its mission, the carrier faced a non-combat fire in the Red Sea, injuring three sailors, and plumbing issues that required maintenance. The carrier is currently operating in the Mediterranean Sea after a brief port call in Split, Croatia for repairs.

The U.S. Department of Defense announced a $1.5 trillion defense budget for FY27, emphasizing a $70.5 billion increase in munitions procurement due to the ongoing conflict with Iran. This budget reflects a strategic dilemma as the U.S. seeks to maintain military readiness in the Indo-Pacific while addressing depleted munitions stockpiles. Lockheed Martin has secured a $4.7 billion contract for missile production, highlighting the urgency of replenishing military resources.

Marcus ChenWed Apr 15 2026Loading...

The Unified Force of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) increased its troop strength to 6,000 soldiers by February 2026 to combat jihadist threats. In the same month, the JNIM executed coordinated attacks across Burkina Faso. The AES deployed 1,500 elite soldiers and air defense units near the Niger-Nigeria border, raising regional tensions. Concurrently, the U.S. sent 200 soldiers to Nigeria for intelligence and training missions, highlighting the complex geopolitical dynamics in the Sahel region.

Marie DuboisWed Apr 15 2026Loading...

USS George H.W. Bush is currently sailing around Africa to reach the Persian Gulf, avoiding the dangerous Red Sea. This deployment highlights the U.S. Navy's strategic adjustments in response to threats in the region, particularly regarding counter-drone and missile defense operations. The carrier's capabilities, including the transport of F-35C stealth fighters, enhance the U.S. military's operational readiness and deterrence posture.

Japan's Prime Minister Takaichi's election victory in February 2026 enables a significant shift in defense policy, with plans to increase defense spending to 2% of GDP and liberalize export controls. This marks a transition towards operational integration with the EU, enhancing cooperation in defense capabilities and industrial partnerships. Japan identifies China as a strategic challenge and aims to strengthen its military posture in the Indo-Pacific.

Iranian armed forces announced that they will not permit any import or export activities in the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and Red Sea if the U.S. continues its maritime blockade, which is making Iranian merchant ships and oil tankers unsafe.

A unit of the Xinjiang Military District conducted a comprehensive chemical defense exercise in an unknown area during spring. The exercise involved overcoming harsh high-altitude conditions to complete tasks such as environmental observation and data collection. The focus was on enhancing combat readiness and professional skills, with post-exercise reviews to address challenges and improve capabilities.

Houthi forces are poised to potentially engage in asymmetric warfare to disrupt maritime traffic in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Red Sea. This comes amid U.S. Navy blockades in the Strait of Hormuz, which could lead to significant economic repercussions, including increased oil prices. Experts suggest that the Houthis' current restraint may be strategic, as they are seasoned fighters accustomed to prolonged conflict.

The Houthis are poised to engage in asymmetric warfare to disrupt maritime traffic in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Red Sea. This potential action could lead to significant economic repercussions, including spikes in oil prices. The U.S. Navy is currently blockading the Strait of Hormuz, which is part of a broader strategy to counter Iranian influence in the region. Experts suggest that the Houthis' restraint thus far may be strategic, indicating a readiness to escalate if conditions are favorable.

Iran is escalating pressure through its proxies in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, aiming to disrupt shipping without direct military confrontation. Iranian officials have warned that energy flows could be quickly disrupted if U.S. actions continue. The Houthis have shown readiness to act, indicating a potential for increased maritime conflict in the region.

U.S. military personnel are currently facing significant mental strain due to ongoing operations against Iran, with over 350 traumatic brain injuries reported among service members. Navy personnel operate under heightened threat environments on aircraft carriers, impacting morale. Despite concerns about retention rates, military families experience high anxiety due to the uncertainty of the conflict. The psychological toll is compounded by a lack of clarity regarding mission objectives and leadership decisions.

On April 11, 2026, the Nigerian Air Force conducted an airstrike on the Jilli market in Yobe, resulting in up to 200 civilian casualties. Concurrently, the Flintlock 2026 multinational military exercise began in Sirte, Libya, involving over thirty nations under AFRICOM. These events highlight the ongoing security challenges in West Africa and the Sahel, exacerbated by the withdrawal of Western forces and increasing jihadist activity.

Marie DuboisTue Apr 14 2026Loading...

Rolls-Royce is enhancing U.S. Army aviation capabilities by developing the MV-75 Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) program, powered by AE 1107 engines that offer double the speed and range of existing aircraft. The company has invested significantly in advanced manufacturing and technology to ensure mission readiness and operational effectiveness in complex theaters like the Indo-Pacific. The AE engine family has a proven track record with over 90 million flight hours, demonstrating reliability and performance in military operations.

Iran is leveraging the current ceasefire to reposition and rearm its military assets while continuing its strategy of endurance against the West. The Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb are critical maritime chokepoints under Iranian influence, impacting global oil supply. The ongoing conflict is characterized by attrition rather than conventional warfare, with Iran's military capabilities being enhanced during this pause.

The Russian Air Force operates approximately 32 to 40 Su-57 Felon fighters, which are considered inferior to Western aircraft like the F-35 and F-22 due to their lack of stealth and advanced technology. The Su-57's radar cross-section is significantly larger than that of its Western counterparts, and production delays have hindered its deployment. Recent analyses highlight the superiority of Western fighter jets in modern combat scenarios, particularly in air superiority operations.

The Nigerian Air Force conducted an airstrike on April 11, targeting a suspected terrorist hideout near Giri Village, Borno State. The strike hit a village market, resulting in at least 30 deaths and over 20 injuries. Emergency response teams are currently assessing the situation and verifying casualties and property damage.

Operation Epic Fury, initiated on February 28, 2026, diverts critical US military assets from the Indo-Pacific, compromising deterrence against China. The US Navy has committed multiple aircraft carriers to the operation, while missile interceptor stocks are severely depleted. This situation raises concerns about the US's ability to respond effectively to potential conflicts in the region, particularly with China's growing missile capabilities. The US is exploring coalition-based defense strategies to mitigate these vulnerabilities.

Marcus ChenSun Apr 12 2026Loading...

In April 2026, the Islamic State Sahel Province (ISSP) intensified its violent campaign against Nigerien military forces, resulting in at least 35 military personnel killed. Concurrently, Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) conducted large-scale attacks in Benin, leading to casualties among both militants and soldiers. Regional military initiatives are underway, with Morocco and Mauritania enhancing their security cooperation.

Marie DuboisSun Apr 12 2026Loading...